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I would contact those schools and see if they will put you in touch with any alumni.

Online MBA's don't have nearly the same prestige as a regular MBA, but as long as you go in understanding that, and are there to build your skills and maybe not as much your network, then it can be good for the ol' resume. But just remember, these schools will not be recruited, they don't hold the same prestige on the resume, you won't build the same network, and often times they are quite expensive. So speak with some alumni might give you an idea of how its been for them.

GMAT Club doesn't get huge amounts of applicants to online MBAs b/c usually the GMAT requirement is low or non existant, and the application process is pretty straight forward. The most prestigous online MBA I know of right now is UCLA's FEMBA program that just included a Flex program. The students meet on campus 4 days a quarter, and the rest is conducted online.

ASU WP Carey is offering a Flex program as well. It just came out and the details are still fuzzy, but I heard its a combination of weekend (core classes take place on Fri/Sat) and online for all electives. I applied to ASU and got accepted to the FT program at the last round but I'm leaning toward switching to PT/Flex/EMBA since I am a bit on the older side and don't want to leave work for 2 years

I didn't know about Kelley's program, I'll check that out too.

Also I am planning to explore the UCLA FEMBA Flex option. That is viable for me since I live in Arizona and the UCLA brand name carries quite a bit of weight

I am in a similar position as others who have posted on this thread. I am still in the process of prepping for the GMAT and I am only considering online MBA programs due to work and family needs. I have seen posts on other websites that echo sentiments here. Namely, that online MBA programs lack prestige, and that even part-time programs would provide a better education.

It seems to me those are two distinct arguments. In terms of the level of education, I understand that one could make an argument about the pedagogical limitatiosn of online classes. Ultimately, I think the student's individual effort will have a greater bearing on the amount of knowledge obtained than whether classes were taken in person or online.

The prestige question is harder for me. Is it just about building networks? I have been researching IU Kelley, Penn State, Florida, and UNC. Each program goes out of its way to promote the idea that the online degree is equivilent to the traditional program. Each of those schools have relatively well-regarding traditional programs. If my diploma and resume can say Penn State, or IU, will prospective employers have any way to determine if I attended online classes? I am concerned that the online programs could miss out on in-person networking events alumni or recruiting with employers.

I am hoping to learn how often students of the traditional versions of the above programs get such opportunities. If they do not happen all that frequently, I wonder if some of the bias against online programs is really due to their relative newness?

I really do not have the flexibility to attend even a part-time program in person. And anyway, I do not feel the schools near me offer the name recognition as the online programs I am researching. _________________

The bias could also be that when you think about an Online education, the first thing that people think about is University of Phoenix (or something similar). Not that UoP is "bad", just not at the same education level as a UNC/IU etc... would be.

^ Not sure how prevalent the sentiment is, but that is certainly the perception I'm trying to shake. I got an MBA from UoP and even though I atteneded the program in person, I can't help but shake the feeling that employers still considered that an online education. If (big IF) that is the case, I might as well get one from a more prestigious school ie: IU, UNC

The bias could also be that when you think about an Online education, the first thing that people think about is University of Phoenix (or something similar). Not that UoP is "bad", just not at the same education level as a UNC/IU etc... would be.

I agree that there is a bias against the idea of an online MBA. UoP clearly does not have the same prestige as a Harvard. But between UoP and HBS you are going to have a whole spectrum of schools with varying reputations, and programs that offer differing returns for their students. I just wonder whether the fact of a program being online should itself color our judgement.

If someone can meet a spouse online, shouldn't I be able to develop a professional network that way? _________________

Do a part time MBA over an online MBA if at all possible, unless you are in an area where there is no decent part time MBA school around, and you can't afford to do a full time program. Now, some decent schools have an online program, most notably UNC.

It is frustrating to get a straight answer or ranking when I research online MBA programs.

I am admitted to Northeastern.

The score the post above me mentioned (Duke, Carnegie-Mellon, etc..) are outrageously expensive. Northeastern isn't nearly as bad --- but 65k is still a big chunk of change. You can get a good MBA online from regionally accreditted school like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Portland, or Penn State ... they all should be under 50k for the entire program. Like the above post mentioned -- A&M-Commerce is relatively cheaper, same with North Dakota, Western Kentucky, or Colorado State. You have a lot of option. The real question is -- which school give you the most for the same amount of money???

As much as I want to believe that attending Northeastern online MBA is as prestigious online as in person, I know it's not true. However, I don't believe that online student receive less education in comparison to FT/PT students on campus. I took as many online classes during my undergrad as possible -- I think I learn a whole lot more than those classes than I attended in person.

The closest school that offer decent MBA program where I live is 2+ hours away. Working full time with a family, driving there 2x/wk isn't realistic. I did PT school (10 credits) where I drove 1 hour each way and PT job (24-30 hrs) for my last 3 years of school -- it was hell. There's no way I will continue that in grad school.

Just choose the best online school you can get into or improve yourself to get into them. My first GMAT score isn't high enough for my top 3 choices (UNC, IU, and ASU), but luckily I was accepted at Northeastern, which was my 4th choice. Haven't even applied at the top 3 yet ... figured with a 550 GMAT, I had no chance.

I think one important aspect of online MBA's is the accreditation of the school. An institution that is AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited will carry some weight. This is something that "for-profit" institutions, such as University of Phoenix, do not have.

Does this mean that the education you receive from a "lower" regional school will compare with...HBS? Absolutely not. But at least that school will have been certified and held to a standard.

Some of the recruiters I talked to said that the perception of online MBA is changing. People are looking at it in a positive way than before. Most of the current industry runs on technology. It is not possible for you to be at all the locations at all the times. You have to form and build the teams and execute projects from remote locations. Something you do in your online MBA. So as far as you get an online degree from accredited university, you are fine. This is not to say that you will be recruited by top consulting firm etc.

Also, I think similarly working and doing MBA, I would be able to apply what I learn to my work and vice verca on the spot.

Saying this, I would also say that if I had a chance, I would try FT from top 25. But in my position, working and keeping an income is very important.

PS: After reading a lot of post, I have found out that a lot of people do quit their jobs and go back to FT school with their families. If my GMAT score is good, no matter what the situation is, I will definitely take a shot at good FT program.

It is frustrating to get a straight answer or ranking when I research online MBA programs.

I am admitted to Northeastern.

The score the post above me mentioned (Duke, Carnegie-Mellon, etc..) are outrageously expensive. Northeastern isn't nearly as bad --- but 65k is still a big chunk of change. You can get a good MBA online from regionally accreditted school like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Portland, or Penn State ... they all should be under 50k for the entire program. Like the above post mentioned -- A&M-Commerce is relatively cheaper, same with North Dakota, Western Kentucky, or Colorado State. You have a lot of option. The real question is -- which school give you the most for the same amount of money???

As much as I want to believe that attending Northeastern online MBA is as prestigious online as in person, I know it's not true. However, I don't believe that online student receive less education in comparison to FT/PT students on campus. I took as many online classes during my undergrad as possible -- I think I learn a whole lot more than those classes than I attended in person.

The closest school that offer decent MBA program where I live is 2+ hours away. Working full time with a family, driving there 2x/wk isn't realistic. I did PT school (10 credits) where I drove 1 hour each way and PT job (24-30 hrs) for my last 3 years of school -- it was hell. There's no way I will continue that in grad school.

Just choose the best online school you can get into or improve yourself to get into them. My first GMAT score isn't high enough for my top 3 choices (UNC, IU, and ASU), but luckily I was accepted at Northeastern, which was my 4th choice. Haven't even applied at the top 3 yet ... figured with a 550 GMAT, I had no chance.

Didn't realize UCLA has a Flex program ... gotta look into that.

Are you in contact with any of the schools. I found IU Kelley direct personnel to be friendly and supportive. May be they will be able to help you if you establish the rapport. PM me if you want information.

Some of the recruiters I talked to said that the perception of online MBA is changing. People are looking at it in a positive way than before. Most of the current industry runs on technology. It is not possible for you to be at all the locations at all the times. You have to form and build the teams and execute projects from remote locations. Something you do in your online MBA. So as far as you get an online degree from accredited university, you are fine. This is not to say that you will be recruited by top consulting firm etc.

Also, I think similarly working and doing MBA, I would be able to apply what I learn to my work and vice verca on the spot.

Saying this, I would also say that if I had a chance, I would try FT from top 25. But in my position, working and keeping an income is very important.

PS: After reading a lot of post, I have found out that a lot of people do quit their jobs and go back to FT school with their families. If my GMAT score is good, no matter what the situation is, I will definitely take a shot at good FT program.

The reasons you put above explain why I went for the part time MBA.

One big reason why the perception of an online MBA is changing is because legitimate institutions, like UNC and IU among others offer such options. If they didn't do this, the reputation of those degrees will be viewed badly not unlike what I think about Education Connection and learning new things in my puh-jam-muhs.

I think the parent school reputation is what will drive the value of online degrees up, and there were some articles in recent months that there will likely be fewer and fewer full time programs over the next decade or so and more focus on part time and online MBA's. Let's see if this becomes a reality.

Last edited by novanative on 25 Apr 2012, 06:38, edited 1 time in total.

Some of the recruiters I talked to said that the perception of online MBA is changing. People are looking at it in a positive way than before. Most of the current industry runs on technology. It is not possible for you to be at all the locations at all the times. You have to form and build the teams and execute projects from remote locations. Something you do in your online MBA. So as far as you get an online degree from accredited university, you are fine. This is not to say that you will be recruited by top consulting firm etc.

Also, I think similarly working and doing MBA, I would be able to apply what I learn to my work and vice verca on the spot.

Saying this, I would also say that if I had a chance, I would try FT from top 25. But in my position, working and keeping an income is very important.

PS: After reading a lot of post, I have found out that a lot of people do quit their jobs and go back to FT school with their families. If my GMAT score is good, no matter what the situation is, I will definitely take a shot at good FT program.

The reasons you put above explain why I went for the part time MBA.

One big reason why the perception of an online MBA is changing is because legitimate institutions, like UNC and IU among others offer such options. If they didn't do this, the reputation of those degrees will be viewed badly not unlike what I think about Education Connection and learning new things in my puh-jay-mahs.

I think the parent school reputation is what will drive the value of online degrees up, and there were some articles in recent months that there will likely be fewer and fewer full time programs over the next decade or so and more focus on part time and online MBA's. Let's see if this becomes a reality.

I feel like this would be a good GMAT argument analysis topic. "Prospective MBA students should opt for traditional or part-time MBA programs over online programs. Online programs are have less prestige and are therefore of less value to the student." Something like that.

I guess I am not convinced by this argument. I attended a webinar for IU Kelley Direct last night and learned online students are invited to attend on campus recruiting events. If a sufficiently motivated online student were to make his way to Bloomington, would he be under any obligation to disclose to recruiters that he actually attended classes online? I say no. Indiana confers the degree, and they go out of their way to stress the equivilency between the traditional and online programs. If the school promotes equivilency and inclusion, then I don't see why online students would need to walk around with a scarlet O on their chest.

And as for education connection, I have always thought of Shannon Doherty as a paragon of academia. _________________

I feel like this would be a good GMAT argument analysis topic. "Prospective MBA students should opt for traditional or part-time MBA programs over online programs. Online programs are have less prestige and are therefore of less value to the student." Something like that.

I guess I am not convinced by this argument. I attended a webinar for IU Kelley Direct last night and learned online students are invited to attend on campus recruiting events. If a sufficiently motivated online student were to make his way to Bloomington, would he be under any obligation to disclose to recruiters that he actually attended classes online? I say no. Indiana confers the degree, and they go out of their way to stress the equivilency between the traditional and online programs. If the school promotes equivilency and inclusion, then I don't see why online students would need to walk around with a scarlet O on their chest.

And as for education connection, I have always thought of Shannon Doherty as a paragon of academia.

Again, I think the parent universities that offer online degrees is going to be what drives the value of them up because almost every online MBA at a legit Top Tier school will be the same academic degree as the one in the full time and/or part time programs. The stigma of the online degree is coming from the for-profit institutions like University of Phoenix, Kaplan U, etc.